The Book of Rites (Liji)

“The Book of Rites” (Liji), also known as the “Record of Rites,” is a collection of texts describing the social forms, administration, and ceremonial rites of the Zhou dynasty as they were understood in the Warring States and the early Han periods. It is considered one of the Five Classics, the core texts of Confucianism.

“The Book of Rites” is a vast and complex collection of texts, ranging from detailed descriptions of court rituals to philosophical discussions of the meaning of ritual. It is divided into three main sections: the Xiaoli, the Yili, and the Lili. The Xiaoli is concerned with the rituals of personal life, such as weddings, funerals, and sacrifices. The Yili is concerned with the rituals of public life, such as court ceremonies and diplomatic exchanges. The Lili is concerned with the philosophical underpinnings of Confucian ritual, such as the concept of ren (humanity) and li (propriety).

One big idea in "The Book of Rites" is called 'li' (pronounced 'lee'). Li means following rules and behaving properly. Confucius believed that ritual is a way of expressing respect for others and for the social hierarchy. The book says that if everyone follows these rules, society will be happier, and people will get along better. It also talks about how kids should respect and listen to their parents and elders. This is called 'filial piety.' The book explains how important it is to take care of family and to honor ancestors.

This text is not just about rules; it also teaches about being a good person. It discusses the importance of being kind, honest, and fair to others. “The Book of Rites” is a must-read for anyone who wants to learn more about Confucianism or about the social and cultural life of ancient China. In the list of the most sacred texts of Confucianism it is a challenging but rewarding text that offers valuable insights into the Confucian view of the world.

Link to buy: https://www.amazon.com/Book-Rites-Liji-Bilingual-English-ebook/dp/B00KVGYS9M

Link to read: https://sacred-texts.com/cfu/liki/index.htm